REVIEW: DNA BY DENNIS KELLY AT THE BRINDLEY THEATRE

I was lucky enough to visit The Brindley to see First Act's performance of the play DNA by Dennis Kelly.  First Act are a Warrington based drama company providing acting lessons for children and adults as well as working with local schools.  This production was the result of six months of rehearsal by the Advanced Class for those aged 15-17.

The play itself, if you're not familiar with it tells the dark story of a group of teenagers who believe they have killed someone (Adam) by accident and their attempts to cover up what has happened.  It follows the characters of Leah and Phil, Mark and Jan, Lou, Brian, Cathy, Richard and John and their behaviours in the aftermath of this accident and how each of them reacts to the situation they find themselves in.

Director Kit Phillips used a clever blend of live action alongside pre-filmed sequences which were projected behind the stage.  The use of film I thought really helped to enhance what was going on in front of me and didn't detract from the action at all.  It helped with understanding the thoughts inside the heads of these mixed up teens.

The set was very simple, just some trees and foliage scattered around which meant that the focus was on the intense performances on the stage.

There were nine young actors in this cast and I honestly can't fault any of them.  Such a fantastic ensemble.  Their reading of Dennis Kelly's difficult-to-read dialogue - the sentences are almost staccato like in places - was brilliant throughout.

Issy played Leah - she had so many complicated speeches as she talked away to the almost-silent-but-well-fed Phil (played by Ethan) - and she conveyed greater and greater emotion as the play went on and as her character got more and more frustrated...Ethan delivered his lines believably and gave Phil's calm and considered instructions to the rest of the group in the callous manner required.

Mark and Jan were played by Ed and Erin.  They worked so well together as a team and the part of the play where they explained what had happened to Adam that went so wrong - was extremely moving.  Very powerful stuff.

Connor had the duel roles of John Tate and Adam (kind of giving the plot away a little bit here!) - John starts off as controlling and bullying and Connor played this very well.  We later learn that the character of John Tate becomes reclusive as a result of the group's actions. Connor then reappeared as Adam and delivered an incredible portrayal of the injured and suffering victim of bullying.

Gemma played Lou, a young character who spoke in mostly simple sentences ultimately due to her fear - Gemma managed to convey that fear and sense of doom for the future so incredibly well,

Ellie played the role of Cathy - the "psycho" character who loved what was happening just a little bit too much.  Cathy showed no remorse and found the situation "exciting" - and Ellie seemed to relish this role and played it fantastically.

Richard was played by Tom. Richard starts off as quite a strong character but gets put in his place by John Tate early on, ruling out his chance to be a leader.  He delivered a fantastic monologue at the end letting the audience know what had happened to most of the characters.

Finally Brian was played by Jamie.  Brian is the "weakest link" whose character unravelled before the audiences eyes as he was bullied by the others into their plan.  He brilliantly demonstrated a range of emotions from upset to terrified to completely losing the plot by the end of the play.

I felt that particularly well done were the reactions of the other characters while the main action or particular monologue was going on - the characterisation was fantastic throughout.

If I can find a negative it would be that there wasn't a proper length bow at the end! It's great that the actors stayed in character for their applause but it was hard for the audience to properly show their appreciation!!

Overall Kit and this young cast produced a gripping "edge-of-your-seat" play tackling the difficult theme of bullying in a unique way.  It left me emotionally drained but extremely impressed.

Can't wait to see First Act's next production!

MP

www.firstactdrama.co.uk
www.thebrindley.org.uk